TEE Time: The Perioperative TEE Video Podcast (Anesthesia, Cardiology, Echocardiography, Sonography, Critical Care ICU)

Dr. Andreas Plackis hosts a collaborative episode of TEE Time with Dr. Jed Wolpaw on ACCRAC about “TEE for the Non-Cardiac Anesthesiologist,” released June 27, 2026 as ACCRAC episode 337 (TEE Time Episode 22). Plackis describes developing TEE Time from a fellowship project at Vanderbilt to create concise, high-yield perioperative TEE resources. Discussion also revolves around TEE’s value in high-r...

In TEE Time Episode 21, we discuss properly evaluating aortic regurgitation (AR) using TEE and how findings affect perioperative care for aortic valve repair/replacement. Building on part one, the video reviews the TEE view sequence (ME AV SAX/LAX, ME ascending aorta LAX, deep TG 5-chamber or TG LAX, ME descending aorta LAX) and the six valve-evaluation categories: clinical information, 2D echo, D...

In Episode 20 of TEE Time, we launch the aortic valve series with Part 1 of 2 on evaluating chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), covering definitions, causes, pathophysiology, assessment goals, intervention indications, and a practical TEE view/sequence. AR (aortic insufficiency) causes inadequate forward output, LV volume/pressure overload, and potential...

In Episode 19 of TEE Time, Dr. Andreas Plackis explains how to evaluate the left atrial appendage (LAA) for thrombus using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and why it matters for stroke prevention, anticoagulation decisions, and intraoperative planning. He reviews key risk factors (atrial fibrillation, low-flow states, mitral stenosis), outlines when dedicated LAA imaging is essential, and p...

Episode 18 of TEE Time explores the medicolegal aspects of Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) for physicians, attorneys, and patients. The discussion covers benefits, risks, contraindications, and the legal standards of care, including informed consent and malpractice considerations. Case statistics from anesthesiology and cardiology highlight common litigation drivers such as misdiagnosis and...

In Episode 17 of TEE Time, we explore the transformative role of Rescue Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) in cardiac arrest. As the final part of our three-part series, this episode covers clinical applications, outcomes, logistics, and limitations of Rescue TEE. We highlight the advantages of TEE over TTE, arrhythmia delineation, CPR optimization, and detection of ROSC. Practical tips, workf...

In Episode 16 of TEE Time, we focus on part two of the three part Rescue TEE series. This episode focuses on the clinical application of Rescue TEE for diagnosing and managing various shock states, including RV failure, cardiac tamponade, acute PE, and hypovolemia. Key concepts such as calculating cardiac output via echocardiography and differentiating various diagnoses are covered in detail. Spec...

In Episode 15 of TEE Time, the focus is on Rescue TEE—a problem-focused, emergent, and high-yield TEE exam used to diagnose and guide interventions in patients experiencing hypotension, hypoxemia, or cardiac arrest. This first part of a three-part series introduces the concept, key terms, and imaging protocols of Rescue TEE, alongside its perioperative considerations, indications, and contraindica...

In Episode 14 of TEE Time, Dr. Andreas Plackis provides an in-depth guide to mastering perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) and passing both the Basic and Advanced PTEeXAMs. This episode introduces a four-stage learning blueprint—beginner, intermediate, expertise, and mastery—designed to streamline the TEE learning process for various medical professionals. Key tools and resources...

In Episode 13 of TEE Time, Dr. Andreas Plackis explores the critical role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in guiding mitral valve repair surgery. This episode offers a deep dive into key decision points such as repair versus replacement, comprehensive pre- and post-bypass TEE assessments, and the echocardiographic markers that influence surgical strategy. Dr. Plackis breaks down the bene...

In TEE Time Episode 12, the focus is on teaching healthcare providers how to use Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) to provide optimal care for patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery. This episode incorporates key points from previous episodes on native valve evaluation, mitral regurgitation, and mitral stenosis, and organizes them into a high-yield review of concepts. The discus...

In Episode 11 of 'TEE Time,' Dr. Andreas Plackis discusses the evaluation of mitral stenosis using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Key points covered include methods to evaluate mitral stenosis severity, differentiating rheumatic from calcific mitral stenosis, and the implications for surgical intervention. The episode also details the clinical...

TEE Time Episode 10: Evaluating Mitral Regurgitation (MR) for Valve Surgery   In Episode 10 of TEE Time, Dr. Andreas Plackis delves into the evaluation of mitral regurgitation (MR) in the context of mitral valve surgery using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The episode covers the critical steps and parameters for assessing the mitral valve, distinguishing between primary and secondary MR,...

Native Valve Evaluation in Echocardiography: A Comprehensive Guide   In Episode 9 of TEE Time, Dr. Andreas Plackis provides an in-depth guide on evaluating native heart valves for potential surgical intervention. Emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach, he discusses the various factors influencing the decision-making process beyond echocardiographic severity. The episode details a six-st...

TEE Time Episode 8: Evaluating Newly Implanted Heart Valves with the SLICK System   In this episode of TEE Time, Dr. Andreas Plackis introduces the SLICK evaluation system for assessing newly implanted heart valves during cardiac surgery. The focus is on stented bioprosthetic and mechanical valves, covering key assessment points such as the sewing ring, leaflet function, insufficiency, collateral...

Episode 7: TEE for CABG Surgery -  Part 2: Valvular Disorders, Post-MI Complications, and other findings in CABG Surgery   In this episode of TEE Time, host Dr. Andreas Plackis discusses the importance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, focusing on valvular assessment and post-myocardial infarction (MI) mechanical complications. Dr. Placki...

Optimal TEE Techniques for CABG Surgery - Part 1: Focus on Left Ventricular Function Assessment   In this episode of TEE Time, Dr. Andreas Plackis explores the use of Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery. The focus is on assessing left ventricular (LV) function, including global and regional function, using methods like the eyeball test, Simp...

In Episode 5 of ‘TEE Time’, a systematic approach to performing a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) exam efficiently in a cardiac surgery setting is explored. The discussion focuses on the importance of quickly generating crucial clinical information, a key necessity in fast-paced surgical environments. A repeatable step-by-step system, summarized by the acronym L-R-S-A-S (look, rotate, slide...

Mastering TEE Probe Insertion - Techniques and Troubleshooting   In Episode 4 of TEE Time, we delve into the intricacies of safe and effective TEE probe insertion under general anesthesia. We cover the importance of pre-insertion checks, proper patient positioning, and the step-by-step procedure for insertion. Furthermore, we discuss troubleshooting techniques for difficult insertions and the role...

Understanding TEE Contraindications and Safe Practices   In Episode 3 of 'TEE Time,' Dr. Plackis discusses when NOT to use Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE). The episode elaborates on perioperative scenarios where TEE might be risky, different guidelines regarding its contraindications, and a proprietary acronym 'PROBE' (Patent, Robust, Other, Bleeding, Explore) to assess TEE safety. It also...

When should you reach for TEE in the perioperative setting? What does the evidence say? In Episode 2 of TEE Time, we explore the clinical scenarios where transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides critical benefits. From cardiac and non-cardiac surgery to interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and critical care, we break down the guidelines, key studies, and real-world applications of...

Join Dr. Andreas Plackis, a Vanderbilt-trained cardiac anesthesiologist and TEE enthusiast, as he introduces TEE Time—the first-ever video podcast dedicated to Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE). In this episode, he shares the inspiration behind the podcast and his mission to transform TEE education with high-yield, concise, and clinically relevant content. Learn why TEE is essen...